LiDAR (light detection and ranging) uses laser beams to “see” the world in 3D, providing machines and computers with an accurate representation of the surveyed environment.
Source: Velodyne Lidar
Installed in an aircraft or helicopter, the infrared light is emitted toward the ground and returned to the LiDAR sensor
Used to derive surface models for use in many applications, such as forestry, hydrology, urban planning, landscape ecology, coastal engineering, etc.
Provides an airborne survey of the land-water interfac to establish water depths and shoreline elevations.
Source: Esri
Mounted on a moving vehicle or a tripod or stationary device, the LiDAR sensors consist of eye-safe lasers.
Mounted on moving vehicles, mobile LiDAR data can be used to analyze roads and locate overhead wires, light poles, and road signs, making them integral for self-driving cars
Mounted on a tripod, static LiDAR can collect point clouds inside buildings as well as exteriors. Common applications for this type of LiDAR are engineering, mining, surveying, and archaeology
Source: Esri
An advantage of LiDAR is the provision of detailed data especially in areas not reachable by other means, such as underground. In Singapore where the Urban Redevelopment Authority plans to have a master plan of Singapore’s underground spaces, LiDAR technology could be the enabler (Prime 2020)
In a large-scale disaster, acquiring highly accurate information becomes crucial to relief work and resilience. Three-dimensional visualization of terrain mobility and building allows emergency responders to easily identify areas most affected by the disaster. (“How LiDAR Is Used In Disaster Response?” 2020)
LiDAR can be valuable in helping urban planners monitor urban growth in cases where building height increase is of interest (“Monitoring 3D Urban Growth: An Innovative Approach Integrating Lidar Processing with Machine Learning” n.d.)
The implementation of LiDAR has its own set of challenges
Each of the challenges above is associated with a high investment and operation cost that may make LiDAR harder to be adopted despite its advantages.